Author: Nick Tuori

Photo courtesy of Miles Postema. Check out pictures of the game here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/96875625@N08/albums/72157665851853339 Each fall, the MHSAA Playoffs provide a platform for some of the best stories in the state to take center stage. One of the best in 2017 has to be the work of the West Ottawa Panthers to turn things around. After fielding two straight 2-7 teams, the Panthers surprised many by winning eight games and being crowned undisputed champions of the OK Red. Their remarkable journey took another step on Friday night as they defeated Rockford for the second time this season to win their...

Photo courtesy of Gary Balcom The four-time reigning champions in Division 5, the Falcons of West Catholic, were back on their title defense on Friday night against Kalamazoo United. The Falcons were at home, and in control from the kickoff. They had very little trouble in winning 42-0 to advance to next week’s regional finals. In the first quarter, Gaetano Vallone found Nick Dorato for a twelve yard touchdown pass to open the scoring. Liam Putz’s extra point put the Falcons up by seven. The second quarter featured a pair of scores by West Catholic as they tripled their...

Photo courtesy of Louis Murray To see the game in pictures click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/45681226@N02/albums/72157688050385791 On Friday night, the Cougars of Catholic Central hit the road in the playoffs as they faced Wyoming Kelloggsville in the district finals. In an offensive shootout, they prevailed winners, 45-34. The Cougars started the game out strong with a trio of touchdowns, all by star running back Nolan Fugate. The first score came in the air as Bowen hit Fugate on a 31-yard pass. Four minutes later, Fugate ran fifteen yards for a touchdown to expand the lead to fourteen points. Just twelve seconds into...

On Friday night, the Eagles of Kent City hit the road to take on the Wildcats of Montague. This was a battle of undefeated teams vying for a district title. There was a bit of added incentive for Montague was eliminated by Kent City a season ago in the first round of districts. -Montague got a strong start in this one, and they had no problem protecting their home turf with a 37-13 victory. Leading the way for Montague on the rushing attack was Bryce Stark. He totaled twenty carries on the ground, racking up 221 yards. Sebastian Archer...

Fresh off of their upset win over East Grand Rapids, the Red Hawks of Cedar Springs hit the road to DeWitt to take on the Panthers in a district championship matchup. After Cedar Springs started with the lead, DeWitt’s superior talent emerged as they advanced to next weekend’s regional game with a 36-12 victory. Cedar Springs scored the game’s first touchdown as John Todd ran 32 yards to the end zone. The extra point was unsuccessful and the Red Hawks lead remained at six. Five minutes later, DeWitt responded as Blake Gatfield tossed a touchdown to Noah Koenigsknecht to...